How To Get Static Out Of A Shirt

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A dress or skirt sticking to you like glue is not only uncomfortable, it can also be embarrassing if it rides up with every step you take!

Changing how you launder and dry your clothes can prevent static, but we also have tips for how to get static out of clothes fast and on-the-go. Here's what you need to know.

What causes static?

Static is caused when different fabrics rub together, creating an electrostatic charge. This can happen while you're wearing the clothes, but is a particular problem if you dry your clothes in a tumble dryer.

Static is a more noticeable problem in winter, not only because wool and polyester are two of the worst culprits, but also because the low humidity allows static electricity to build up.

Luckily though, there are ways to prevent and remove static in clothes.

What can you do to avoid static?

The best way to deal with static is to take steps to avoid an electrostatic charge building up in your clothing before it becomes a problem and leaves you standing in the street in an impossibly clingy skirt! Here's how…

If you're particularly susceptible to static, avoid synthetic clothing, as this tends to be the worst culprit. Instead, shop for natural fibres, which retain moisture better.
Use fabric conditioner in the wash, as it helps reduce friction and static as well as giving fabrics a soft, fluffy feel.
If you're trying to cut down on chemicals, white vinegar works as a natural fabric softener and will help reduce static if added in place of fabric conditioner.
Don't over dry clothes and try and dry synthetic fibres separately so they don't charge up the rest of your clothes. If you can, line or air dry.
If you can't avoid the tumble dryer, add a tumble dryer sheet to the load, this will help to reduce a build-up of static.
When removing clothes from the tumble dryer, give each item a quick shake to help prevent static from setting in.
Static can be problematic in very dry low humidity environments, so an air humidifier can help.

How can you get rid of static?

The easiest and most effective anti-static barrier is just to put a slip on, but these days few of us are likely to own a slip, let alone wear one regularly. So try these helpful tricks to stop that static cling…

Buy an anti-static spray, like Static Guard Static Cling Spray, and keep it in the wardrobe or your handbag.
Rub the inside of the garment and your tights with a tumble dryer sheet for a quick fix.
If you haven't got any tumble dryer sheets, spray inside of garment and legs with a very fine mist of distilled water or rub legs with hand lotion.
If you're just about to leave the house, try running a wire hanger across your clothes after you've put them on, as this will transfer the static.

What is anti-static clothing?

Yes, there really is such a thing! Anti-static clothing has a line of carbon woven through to prevent static discharge. These are worn in explosion-hazard environments, so you're probably not looking to make them a part of your wardrobe! If you are looking for more static resistant fabrics, however, cotton and leather are your best bets.

GHI Tip: Out and about already? Spray the inside of the garment and your tights with a little hairspray or just plain water (not too much!)

Products for preventing static

Static Guard Static Spray

Static Guard amazon.co.uk

£11.99

Lenor Tumble Dryer Sheets

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